“I want to think about it.”
“I doubt your husband’s going to offer you more.”
“I don’t want more money. I just need some time.”
Samantha straightened. “My client wishes to think about it.”
“For god’s sake.” Craig sputtered. “What’s there to think about?”
“She has the right to think about it.”
Craig sighed. “Fine. Make it quick though. My client wants a speedy divorce.”
“So does mine,” Samantha said. “We’ll be in touch.”
* * *
Amandine returned home with Brooke. In her purse was a bullet-point list of what Gavin offered. She took it out and tossed it to Brooke, then sank deeply into the comfy armchair. “What do you think?” she asked.
Brooke took a few minutes to look at the paper. “I think you should listen to your lawyer,” she finally said.
“Don’t I have the right to know why he’s doing this?”
“What do you mean? You asked him for a divorce and he’s giving it to you.”
“But why is he giving me all this money?”
Brooke looked at her like she’d sprouted a pair of purple donkey ears. “You’re upset about that?”
“Not…upset.” Amandine grasped for the appropriate word. It wasn’t easy with her thoughts scattered everywhere. “Curious.”
“Don’t look this gift horse in the mouth. He’s giving you more than you could ever ask for. And you can keep your kid without doing the whole nasty court battle thing.” A frown wrinkled Brooke’s forehead. “He’s being a lot nicer than I expected.”
“The part about never seeing each other again bothers me.” Amandine sighed, burying her face in her hands. “I thought…I thought he’d fight for me and the baby.”
Brooke moved next to her and put an arm around her shoulders. “Oh, Amandine. Things don’t always work out the way we want.”
“There were moments when it seemed like he loved me even if he didn’t say it. If I’d been more patient, he might have.”
“Well, it’s too late for what-ifs. It’s his loss.”
“No, it’s my loss.” Amandine swallowed a sob. “I’m going to lose the man I love.”
Brooke pulled Amandine closer and patted her back. “Hey, listen. Didn’t he make you miserable with all that Catherine stuff?”
“But that was more me than him. I realize that now.” And it hurts so much. “My insecurity was controlling so many of my decisions, it ruined our marriage.”
“Seems to me Gavin could’ve done a better job of reassuring you,” Brooke said loyally.
“Maybe. But I screwed up by letting my emotions get the best of me.” Amandine put a hand over her belly. “I keep thinking about what the settlement means, and I think it might mean that he loves me.”
“Don’t let money affect your judgment.”
“He’s providing for me. Making sure I’ll never lack for anything.”
“You’ve been married three years, and there’s a baby on the way. It’s totally reasonable to expect he’d leave you flush.” Brooke’s tone was matter-of-fact, but her lips were pursed in thought.
“I have to see him,” Amandine said.